Color catchers

Will color catchers work on batik? If I put two per wash for a batik quilt would that be enough? I am asking this because Retayen may not be an option for me to use on fabric due to chemical sensitivity of the future quilt recipient. Thank you!

I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me
The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me
I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose
I've been battered, but I'll never bruise

They will work, but I think it is safer to use them along with Synthrapol. Synthrapol is simply a specialized detergent that will allow unset dye particles to remain suspended in water so they can be rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics. Synthrapol is widely available in quilt stores that cater to dyers, or can be ordered online. Amazon has it.

You would not want to use Retayne on a finished quilt anyway. Retayne is supposed to be used on yardage before it is used in a quilt. Retayne permanently sets dyes, so it will permanently set a bleed if you wash an entire quilt in it!

Edit: Just want to add that color catchers trap unset dye particles. Synthrapol allows unset dye particles to remain suspended in water. I recommend using both in case there is an excessive bleed -- more than the color catchers can handle. In that case, the Synthrapol allows a second line of defense.

Just be aware that Synthrapol requires a *lot* of hot water to use. It is not effective in a home front loader because there isn't enough water; a home top loader is fine, as is a medium or large laundromat front loader.

I have not made the quilt yet so now is the time to decide. This will be for an elderly mother of a friend. She has skin sensitivities and also there may be a need for the quilt to be washed in warm water. That is why I am a bit reluctant to use retayne. If the fabric catchers will work I will gladly supply them with the quilt and the care instructions.

In that case, it's a good idea to test all of the fabrics (or at least the ones you are suspicious might bleed) before making the quilt. You can do this by cutting a 2" square or wedge, drop this in a glass of water, and leave overnight. If there is a lot of bleeding into the water, this is a fabric that needs to be prewashed. Also, rub the damp fabric against light colored fabric to see if any dye transfers that way.

As long as there are no heavy bleeders among the batiks, washing the quilt with color catchers should be fine.